In an entertaining game played under lights last Saturday in Oakpark, Monkstown built up a 14 -0 lead with two converted tries.

However Carlow already competing strongly in set pieces, started running hard at the Dubliners. Good bursts led by lock Wes Shirley led to two unconverted tries by Purcell, and O Gorman. Purcell added a penalty to bring the half time score to Carlow 13, Monkstown 14.

Carlow continued to force the pace and actually went in front for a period with another Purcell penalty. But a couple of concentration lapses, coupled with two long range penalties and a Johnny sized drop kick by the Monkstown outhalf saw them climbing to 23 pts to 16 ahead.

At this score Carlow, in line for at least a losing bonus point, continued to press into the Monkstown half.

However a yellow card against Carlow swing the game Monkstown's way and they got in for a late late try in the last move of the game.

Earlier in the afternoon Carlow's J2 side lost heavily to Monkstown.

Next Wednesday October 24 at 7.30 p.m. a Leinster prop will attend the Carlow Club to help out with a scrum coaching clinic.